Slow cooker pork roast is a tender, flavorful, and easy meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste. Cooked low and slow with herbs, garlic, and a savory broth, this pork roast becomes juicy and fall-apart tender. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this recipe pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a side of gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work!
- Juicy & Tender – Slow cooking ensures a perfectly moist roast.
- Simple Ingredients – No complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
- Great for Leftovers – Shred and use in sandwiches, tacos, or soups.
- Versatile Flavor – Customize with different seasonings and veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork roast (pork shoulder or pork loin, 3-4 lbs)
- Onion (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Carrots (chopped)
- Potatoes (cubed, optional)
- Chicken or beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Olive oil
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Paprika
- Salt & black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Pork – Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. Rub it with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended) – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.
- Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker – Add sliced onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes (if using) to the slow cooker. Place the pork roast on top.
- Add Liquid – Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
- Serve & Enjoy – Remove the pork and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with the cooked vegetables and pan juices.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 10 hours
Variations
- Garlic Herb Roast – Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and extra garlic.
- BBQ Pork Roast – Mix in BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Apple Pork Roast – Add sliced apples for a touch of sweetness.
- Spicy Pork Roast – Use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Asian-Inspired – Add soy sauce, ginger, and honey for a teriyaki-style pork.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing – Freeze shredded pork in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of pork for this recipe?
Pork shoulder (pork butt) is best for tenderness, but pork loin is a leaner option.
Do I need to sear the pork first?
No, but searing adds extra flavor and a rich, caramelized crust.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Celery, parsnips, or bell peppers make great additions.
How do I make a gravy with the juices?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the juices and simmer until thickened.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes! Set it on low before bed, and it’ll be ready in the morning.
Can I use frozen pork?
It’s best to thaw pork before slow cooking for even cooking.
How do I prevent the roast from drying out?
Use a well-marbled cut like pork shoulder and don’t overcook it.
What can I do with leftovers?
Use shredded pork for sandwiches, tacos, soups, or pasta dishes.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, then do a natural release.
What sides go well with pork roast?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or dinner rolls pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Slow cooker pork roast is an easy, flavorful, and foolproof way to make a tender, juicy meal. Whether served with vegetables, mashed potatoes, or shredded for sandwiches, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting homemade meal with minimal effort!
Print
Slow Cooker Pork Roast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Pork Roast is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Cooked low and slow with herbs, garlic, and a savory broth, it’s the perfect fuss-free dinner for any night of the week!
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb pork shoulder (or pork loin for a leaner option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Season the pork – Pat the pork roast dry and rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika.
- Sear the pork (optional but recommended) – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Layer the ingredients – Place sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes in the slow cooker. Lay the pork on top.
- Add the liquid – Pour in broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle with minced garlic and rosemary.
- Slow cook – Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until fork-tender.
- Serve & enjoy – Slice or shred the pork and serve with vegetables and juices from the slow cooker.
Notes
- For a Gravy: Strain the liquid and simmer with 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water until thickened.
- Make It Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat.
- Leftovers Idea: Use shredded pork in sandwiches, tacos, or over mashed potatoes.